Taylor Decker

Lions LT Taylor Decker could miss start of regular season with shoulder injury

Published Jun. 6, 2017 10:53 a.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Detroit Lions retooled their offensive line this offseason by adding Ricky Wagner and T.J. Lang, but a key starter from last season could be in question for 2017. Second-year left tackle Taylor Decker suffered a shoulder injury last week in practice, and on Monday, he underwent surgery to repair the issue. Jim Caldwell shared the disappointing news Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/Lions/status/872091922143358977

As of now, there’s no timetable for Decker’s return. Caldwell didn’t offer much insight on how long the injury will keep his left tackle out, but did say he would provide an update when training camp begins.

https://twitter.com/ttwentyman/status/872091888358236161

When asked if he thinks the injury will cost Decker the 2017 season, Caldwell said “I don’t think so.” That’s a good sign, but it doesn’t mean Decker is out of the woods yet.

There’s a chance he could start the season on the PUP list, which would cause him to miss the first six weeks of the regular season. Wagner played right tackle for the Ravens last season, and Caldwell indicated he’ll stay at that spot Tuesday. Cornelius Lucas and Joe Dahl will get the first shot at replacing Decker, according to Caldwell.

Decker allowed just 4.5 sacks last season, doing a great job protecting Matthew Stafford’s blindside as a rookie. It’s a big blow for the Lions if Decker is forced to miss significant time.

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Taylor Decker

Detroit Lions

National Football League